Printable Coloring Pages
Sea Shanty Coloring Pages: Barrett's Privateers
Lyrics:
O the year was Seventeen Seventy-Eight
How I wish I was in Sherbrooke now
A letter of marque came from the king
To the scummiest vessel I’ve ever seen
God damn them all
I was told we’d cruise the seas for American gold
We’d fire no guns, shed no tears
Now I’m a broken man on a Halifax pier
The last of Barrett’s Privateers
O Elcid Barrett cried the town
How I wish I was in Sherbrooke now
For twenty brave men all fishermen who
Would make for him the Antelope’s crew
The Antelope sloop was a sickening site
How I wish I was in Sherbrooke now
She’d list to the port and her sails in rags
And the cook in the scuppers with the staggers and jags
On the King’s birthday we put to sea
How I wish I was in Sherbrooke now
Ninety-one days to Montego Bay
Pumping like madmen all the way
On the ninety-sixth day we sailed again
How I wish I was in Sherbrooke now
When a great big Yankee hove in sight
With our cracked four-pounders we made to fight
The Yankee lay low down with gold
How I wish I was in Sherbrooke now
She was broad and fat and loose in stays
But to catch her took the Antelope two whole days
Then at length she stood two cables away
How I wish I was in Sherbrooke now
Our cracked four-pounders made awful din
But with one fat ball the Yank stove us in
The Antelope shook and pitched on her side
How I wish I was in Sherbrooke now
Barrett was smashed like a bowl of eggs
And the main truck carried off both me legs
Now here I lay in my twenty-third year
How I wish I was in Sherbrooke now
It’s been six years since we sailed away
And I just made Halifax yesterday
God damn them all
I was told we’d cruise the seas for American gold
We’d fire no guns, shed no tears
Now I’m a broken man on a Halifax pier
The last of Barrett’s Privateers
History of "Barrett's Privateers"
"Barrett's Privateers" is a well-known song by the late Canadian folk musician Stan Rogers. Released in 1977 on his album "Fogarty's Cove," the song quickly became one of Rogers' most beloved and iconic works, known for its rousing chorus and vivid storytelling.
Lyrics and Story: The song narrates the ill-fated voyage of Elcid Barrett and his privateering ship, the Antelope, during the American Revolutionary War. It begins in 1778, with the protagonist lamenting his current state as a broken man on a Halifax pier, wishing he was in Sherbrooke. The story recounts how Barrett recruited twenty men to join his crew, setting sail on the decrepit Antelope with hopes of capturing American gold. However, their journey is plagued with hardship, culminating in a disastrous encounter with an American ship that leaves the Antelope destroyed and the crew in ruins.
Cultural Significance: "Barrett's Privateers" is celebrated for its historical narrative and maritime authenticity, capturing the harsh realities of privateering. Its vivid imagery and rousing chorus ("God damn them all") have made it a staple in Canadian folk music and maritime traditions. The song is often sung in pubs, at folk festivals, and by maritime enthusiasts, resonating with audiences for its blend of humor, tragedy, and historical detail.
Musical Style: The song is performed in a traditional sea shanty style, characterized by its rhythmic, call-and-response structure that mimics the work songs sung by sailors. This style, combined with Rogers' powerful voice and engaging storytelling, has cemented "Barrett's Privateers" as a timeless classic in the folk music canon.
Stan Rogers' Legacy: Stan Rogers is widely regarded as one of Canada's greatest folk musicians, known for his deep, resonant voice and his ability to craft songs that capture the spirit of Canadian life and history. "Barrett's Privateers" stands out as one of his most enduring contributions, continuing to be performed and appreciated by new generations of folk music fans.
For more detailed information and to explore Stan Rogers' discography, you can visit Stan Rogers' Official Website.
Barrett's Privateers | KidZone Maritimes History >